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Territorial defense a top priority of Duterte admin

New Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday, diminished fear after knowing the Duterte administration will more focus to improve the territorial defense of the country instead on internal security.

New Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday, diminished fear after knowing the Duterte administration will more focus to improve the territorial defense of the country instead on internal security.

Lorenzana said in his interview that territorial defense is the 'top priority' of the Duterte administration and there will be more attention and funds to strengthen the defense.

"It's one of the top priorities of the Duterte administration. Territorial defense is very important. Dahil ito, pangangalagaan natin ang mga territories against encroachment by other parties," Lorenzana said.

Lorenzana mentioned about 15-year AFP Modernization Plan that they already planned and scheduled, with regards if they going to push through with the buy of planes and warships.

The territorial defense assets that already in the process of acquisition, among them two frigates, two anti-submarines, and two long-range patrol aircraft.

"But there will be redirection," he said.

"Kasi ang priority (ng Pangulo) ngayon is to fight criminality, saka yung Abu Sayyaf sa baba. That's very important kasi it's giving us a bad name sa international community." He added.Lorenzana also explained that Abu syyaf group was still their high priority.

New Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday, diminished fear after knowing the Duterte administration will more focus to improve the territorial defense of the country instead on internal security.